France delivered a commanding performance against Sweden in the World Cup Round of 32, securing a 3-0 victory. The match, played in scorching temperatures in East Rutherford, saw Kylian Mbappé score a brace, while Bradley Barcola added another goal. Michael Olise was instrumental, providing two assists and showcasing a strong display throughout the game.
The first half presented an interesting challenge, with Sweden demonstrating a clear game plan and creating counterattack opportunities. Players like Anthony Elanga and Viktor Gyökeres aimed to link up with Alexander Isak, who had two shots on goal within the opening 25 minutes. However, the French defence, marshalled by Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba, effectively neutralised these threats, preventing Mike Maignan from being seriously tested.
Sweden’s compact and resilient defending initially frustrated France. Despite numerous deft attacking movements, France struggled to break through, leading Mbappé to attempt long-range shots. The dynamic shifted around the half-hour mark following a forceful drive from Adrian Rabiot, which Jacob Widell Zetterström managed to turn around the post. This moment seemed to ignite the French attack, leading to a succession of opportunities.
Before the opening goal, France had several near misses. Mbappé saw one shot go over and another hit the post from close range. Michael Olise executed a scissor kick that struck Zetterström’s right post, with Ousmane Dembelé’s follow-up going over the bar. Olise then had another shot from distance saved for a corner.
The breakthrough came from a short corner routine. Dembelé played the ball to Olise, who returned the pass. Dembelé then quickly fed Mbappé inside the box. Despite a tight angle and multiple defenders, Mbappé maneuvered past Gyökeres and bent a shot past Zetterström, giving France the lead just before half-time. Sweden had one more chance before the break, but Elliot Stroud’s follow-up shot went over after Jules Koundé intercepted a pass.
France extended their lead eight minutes into the second half. After Sweden conceded possession, Aurelién Tchouaméni passed to Olise. Olise delivered a precise pass between a Swedish centre-half and full-back, perfectly weighted for Bradley Barcola, who advanced into the box and powerfully struck the ball into the net.
Olise’s influence continued to grow in the second half. He roamed across the forward line, dropping deep and making runs beyond defenders, consistently seeking the ball to create danger. Around the hour mark, he forced another sprawling save from Zetterström with a shot from outside the box. His intricate passing with Rabiot and Koundé at the halfway line also demonstrated France’s control.
Mbappé secured his second goal of the match, and Olise his second assist, with 15 minutes remaining. This goal came from another deft pass from Olise, setting up Mbappé for a perfectly timed run and a curling finish into the far side of the goal. Sweden had a late opportunity for a consolation goal when Gyökeres was played through, but Mike Maignan denied the striker.
This victory sets up a Last 16 tie for France against Paraguay. Paraguay advanced after defeating Germany on penalties. The upcoming match is scheduled to take place in Philadelphia on Saturday, 4 July.
Mbappé’s Record and Golden Boot Race
Kylian Mbappé’s two goals in the match saw him become the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup knockout matches. He now shares the lead in the Golden Boot race for this tournament with Argentina’s Lionel Messi, with both players having scored six goals.
His first goal came on the stroke of half-time, following a slide-rule pass from Dembelé. Mbappé then wrong-footed Viktor Gyökeres with a stepover before firing into the far corner. His second goal, in the 74th minute, again came from a fine pass by Olise, which Mbappé curled past Widell Zetterström.
Looking Ahead to the Next Round
France’s dominant performance has positioned them as strong contenders in the tournament. Their next challenge will be against Paraguay in the Round of 16. This match is scheduled for Saturday, 4 July, at 22:00 BST in Philadelphia.
The winner of the France vs Paraguay tie will then face either Morocco or Canada in the quarter-finals.
Sweden’s journey in the tournament included an opening 5-1 win over Tunisia, followed by a 5-1 loss to the Netherlands, and a draw with Japan, which secured their passage to the knockout stages. Despite their efforts against France, they were unable to overcome the strong French attack.
The match concluded with a 3-0 scoreline in favor of France.
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Source: theguardian.com
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”